Things to Do in Eswatini in April

April Weather in Eswatini

25°C (77°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

60% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect autumn weather with clear, sunny days averaging 25°C (77°F) - ideal for hiking and outdoor activities without summer's oppressive heat
Harvest season brings spectacular golden grasslands in the highveld and fresh produce at local markets, plus traditional beer brewing ceremonies
Low tourist numbers mean uncrowded game viewing and better wildlife photography opportunities, with animals gathering at water sources
Excellent visibility for mountain activities - Malolotja Nature Reserve offers crystal-clear views extending 50+ km (31 miles) into South Africa

Considerations

Cool mornings at 12°C (54°F) require warm layers, especially for early morning game drives that start at 6am
Some highland areas can experience overnight frost, making camping uncomfortable without proper gear
Dry season means less lush vegetation for photography, though wildlife viewing improves as animals concentrate near rivers

Best Activities in April

Hlane Royal National Park Game Drives

April's dry conditions concentrate elephants, lions, and rhinos around the Mlawula River, offering exceptional wildlife viewing. Cool 25°C (77°F) temperatures make 3-4 hour drives comfortable, and low tourist numbers mean exclusive sightings. Early morning drives at 6am showcase active predators before the day warms up.

Booking Tip: Book game drives 5-7 days ahead through park-certified guides. Self-drive permits cost E150-200 ($8-11), guided drives E400-600 ($22-33). Reference booking section for current tour options with licensed operators.

Malolotja Nature Reserve Hiking

April offers perfect hiking weather with clear skies and comfortable 20-23°C (68-73°F) daytime temperatures at altitude. The autumn grasslands create golden landscapes, and crisp air provides exceptional visibility across the Drakensberg escarpment. Waterfalls run at moderate levels - not flooding, not dried up.

Booking Tip: Day hikes require E30 ($1.70) park entry. Multi-day trails need advance booking through Eswatini Tourism. Guided hikes typically E300-500 ($17-28) per person. See current guided options in booking section below.

Cultural Village Experiences

April coincides with harvest celebrations and traditional beer brewing from fresh sorghum. Villages demonstrate authentic Swazi culture without tourist crowds. Cool weather makes traditional dancing demonstrations and craft workshops comfortable for visitors. Homestead visits include seasonal harvest activities.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours cost E250-400 ($14-22) including traditional lunch. Book through community tourism offices 3-5 days ahead. Multi-village experiences available E600-800 ($33-44). Check booking widget for current cultural tour options.

Ezulwini Valley Adventure Activities

Perfect weather for white-water rafting on the Great Usutu River - water levels are ideal after summer rains but before winter low flows. Canopy tours and zip-lining benefit from clear views and comfortable temperatures. Rock climbing conditions are excellent with low humidity and good grip.

Booking Tip: Adventure packages typically E400-800 ($22-44) per activity. Rafting requires minimum 4 people. Book 7-10 days ahead during April's favorable weather window. Licensed operators provide all safety equipment.

Craft and Art Workshop Tours

April's comfortable indoor temperatures make extended craft workshops enjoyable. Traditional pottery, weaving, and glass-blowing demonstrations showcase techniques passed down generations. Cool weather allows for longer sessions without overheating in workshop spaces.

Booking Tip: Half-day workshops E200-350 ($11-19), full-day including materials E400-600 ($22-33). Swazi Candles and Ngwenya Glass offer walk-in sessions, but booking ahead guarantees participation. Check current workshop availability in booking section.

Mbuluzi Game Reserve Bush Walks

Cooler April temperatures make 2-3 hour guided bush walks comfortable. Dry conditions improve tracking opportunities while maintaining enough vegetation for diverse bird species. Walking safaris offer intimate wildlife encounters impossible from vehicles.

Booking Tip: Guided bush walks E350-450 ($19-25) including armed ranger. Maximum 6 people per group. Book 48-72 hours ahead. Early morning slots (7am start) offer best wildlife activity. See booking options below for current availability.

April Events & Festivals

Throughout April

Umhlanga Reed Dance Preparation

April marks preparation period for the famous Reed Dance, with young women across the country beginning traditional preparations. While the main ceremony occurs later, visitors can observe preliminary cultural activities and reed collection in various communities.

Mid to Late April

Harvest Festivals

Local communities celebrate successful harvests with traditional ceremonies, beer brewing, and communal feasts. These authentic celebrations vary by region but typically include traditional dancing, storytelling, and sharing of seasonal foods.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 12°C (54°F) but afternoons reach 25°C (77°F), pack zip-off pants and light fleece

Waterproof hiking boots for morning dew and occasional showers - trails can be slippery in Malolotja

Warm sleeping bag rated to 5°C (41°F) if camping - highland areas get surprisingly cold at night

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 7 plus high altitude exposure in mountains requires strong protection

Light rain jacket - April averages 6 rainy days with brief afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes

Binoculars essential for game viewing - dry season animal spotting requires good optics for distant sightings

Warm hat and gloves for early morning game drives starting at 6am when temperatures hover around 12°C (54°F)

Quick-dry pants and shirts - 60% humidity plus morning dew means regular clothing stays damp longer

Headlamp with extra batteries - shorter daylight hours and frequent load-shedding require reliable lighting

Cash in small denominations - many activities and entrance fees are cash-only, ATMs limited outside main towns

Insider Knowledge

Visit game reserves between 6-9am and 4-6pm when animals are most active - midday heat makes wildlife retreat even in cooler April weather

Buy crafts directly from artisans at weekend markets rather than tourist shops - prices are 30-40% lower and quality often better, plus you support local families directly

Book accommodation with generators or solar backup - load-shedding affects most areas 2-4 hours daily even in hotels

Carry South African Rand alongside Emalangeni - widely accepted and sometimes preferred, especially for fuel and restaurants near borders

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold mornings get - tourists regularly shiver through early game drives wearing only t-shirts despite daytime warmth

Assuming all roads are accessible with regular cars - many reserves require high-clearance vehicles, especially after April rains

Not booking Malolotja hiking permits in advance - popular trails fill up quickly during optimal April weather conditions